By Dr. Kristi Lively, Knoxville Animal Clinic & Sequoyah Veterinary Urgent Care
As temperatures rise during the summer months, pet owners must take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe. While many people enjoy outdoor activities in warm weather, excessive heat can pose serious health risks for pets. Understanding the dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.
Unlike humans, pets have limited ways to cool themselves. Dogs primarily regulate body temperature through panting, while cats seek cool, shaded areas. Because they cannot sweat effectively, pets are more susceptible to overheating and heat-related illnesses.
One of the most serious summer dangers is heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels and can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms may include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately, ideally indoors. Run a fan towards them and cool them with wet towels – not ice cold water, just cool water. Do not wrap in towels, just wet their skin and paws. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. This can be a dangerous and life threatening condition, so do not delay veterinary intervention.
Never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can climb rapidly, reaching dangerous levels even when the outside temperature seems moderate. Cracking windows provides little protection and does not prevent the interior from becoming dangerously hot.
Hot pavement is another common summer hazard. Asphalt and concrete can become hot enough to burn a pet’s paw pads. Paw pad injuries are quite painful and can be slow to heal. Before walking your dog, place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it feels too hot for your skin, it is too hot for your pet’s paws. Consider walking during the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler, or stay on grassy surfaces.
Hydration is essential during hot weather. Always provide access to fresh, clean water, both indoors and outdoors. Pets spending time outside should also have access to shaded areas where they can escape direct sunlight. Cooling mats, fans, and pet-safe pools can offer additional relief from the heat.
Certain breeds are at higher risk for heat-related problems. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, often struggle more in hot weather due to their shortened airways. Senior pets and those with underlying health conditions may also require extra hydration during periods of extreme heat.
Summer can be a wonderful time for outdoor adventures, but pet safety should always be prioritized. By recognizing the signs of heat stress, providing adequate water and shade, avoiding hot surfaces, and never leaving pets in vehicles, you can help keep your pet safe and active all summer long.
Dr. Kristi Lively is a 1994 graduate of Vanderbilt University, having majored in Molecular Biology. She was in the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Class of ’99, where she graduated with honors in the top tier of her class. Dr. Lively has been a practicing veterinarian in Knoxville for more than 25 years. She and Dr. Adele Mays own and operate Bearden’s Knoxville Animal Clinic and Sequoyah Veterinary Urgent Care (5312 Homberg Drive), that is open outside of standard clinic hours, weekdays 4 pm to midnight, weekends 10 am to 10 pm. For more info, visit KnoxvilleAnimalClinic.com.